Job search fatigue is a real problem that can make a person feel discouraged and unmotivated. After months of applying to companies and attending interviews, job seekers often feel like they need help to keep up. Even eating, sleeping, and networking can become stressful. If you're feeling this way, there are several simple ways to deal with job search fatigue.
Volunteering to Build Skills
If you're feeling job search fatigue, consider volunteering. Even a few hours each week can be enough to add transferable skills to your resume and broaden your network. Not only will this increase your reach to potential employers, but it will also help you build your self-esteem. In fact, a survey by LinkedIn found that one in five employers have hired someone because of their volunteer experience.
For a potential candidate, volunteering exhibits your commitment to community service, serving others, and showing the initiative to make contributions. It shows that you value intrinsic motivation rather than searching for external rewards, a valuable asset within any organization.
Volunteering builds your skills and helps you understand your potential, which is crucial for career success. It also gives you a sense of purpose and activity. Searching for a job can become a months-long process full of roadblocks, potholes and rejections—volunteering can take your mind off the negative aspects and focus on "controlling what you can control."
Positive Effects of Volunteerin
Additionally, for most individuals, volunteering has been shown to positively impact their emotions and personal outlook; it has been shown to help manage the effects of anxiety, stress and irritability. If you're unsure of what type of work you want to do, volunteer to learn more about your strengths and weaknesses. In addition, volunteering will keep you feeling active and useful, boosting your confidence.
Volunteering is also an excellent way to overcome job search fatigue because it makes you feel good about helping others. It will also help you network with hiring managers, recruiters, and employees. By doing this, you'll have more time to focus on your job search, and you'll be able to tackle your job search with less fatigue and a refreshed, renewed outlook.
Taking a Break Leads to Improved Efficiency
Taking a purposeful break from any task can help you stay more focused and productive, reducing gaps between tasks. Taking regular breaks is important so your body and mind can rest. It can also be beneficial to schedule a vacation. Whether you stay home or travel, a break will help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Job search fatigue can strike at any time of the year. If you find yourself in this situation, take a break from job searching and start fresh. This will give you a fresh perspective and help you to come back with more motivation to search for a new job. Once you are back on track, you'll likely send out the best possible applications.
Job search fatigue can make it difficult to concentrate on the process. Even though you need a pay cheque, it's important to remember why you're looking for a job. Ask yourself: what kind of work do I like? What's it about this particular company that interests me? And what do I want to experience in a new job?
Hobbies, Passions and Side Projects
If you're feeling overwhelmed by your job search, consider doing something you enjoy. A hobby or a side project can help you refocus and rejuvenate. You can also do something creative, like starting a personal blog, newsletter, podcast, or joining a social club. These activities can help you release your inner creative genius, boosting your confidence and boosting your job search efforts.
Again, potential employers are not searching for a robot that will produce results—they are looking for a well-rounded individual with a passion or a "zest" for life, someone that can lead, either through example (for introverts) or through communication. Regardless of your communication style, dedicating time for yourself to enjoy your day-to-day with hobbies, passions and side projects feeds into your ability to perform on the job. So long as these pastimes do not become too time-consuming.
Many individuals categorize hobbies, passions and side projects as a "side hustle" or something unimportant. However, they are the foundation of a well-rounded candidate for a position in the professional world.
When a job search takes a long time, the chances are that you will develop job search fatigue. This can make you feel uninspired and unmotivated, and it's easy to get discouraged. But if you take a break to allow your mind to decompress, you can refocus on your goals and feel revitalized to gain momentum.
Decluttering & Organization
Job search fatigue can make the process of finding a new job seem like a never-ending struggle. To overcome this, consider decluttering to help you make the most of your time. Besides making your life less stressful, this can also help you overcome decision fatigue. Keeping an organized timeline and spreadsheet can also help you stay focused and organized.
First, identify the cause of your decision fatigue. This will help you to take action. Taking action will give you the energy to do the task. If you don't have the motivation to declutter, try setting a timer to help you motivate yourself. Also, it's helpful to focus on one small area at a time.
Setting a Routine for Applying and Responding
Another helpful tactic, particularly when you lack the motivation to get your cover letter, resume and application "out there," is to set aside a scheduled time to send applications. At this point, the rest of your schedule can be used for personal development.
For example, setting a routine to get up in the morning and send out applications at 6 am, 7 am, or 8 am is an excellent technique for finding a new job quickly—just ensure your phone notifications are on. You can receive phone calls from unknown numbers and are presentably dressed in business casual attire.
Often, employers and human resource managers have gaps to fill, and you may just be a pivotal piece to their puzzle whose application happened to come across their desk in the morning. You can also set aside this block of time to focus on touching up your resume and cover letter, enhancing your portfolio and website, and gathering a list of potential new positions.
Realize It’s a Numbers Game
Many new job applicants can end up frustrated because of countless perceived rejections. However, the reality is that human resource managers and executive leadership within business organizations can become quite backlogged regarding meetings, complex projects, personnel management, operations, and client relationships. For many corporate positions, the interview process extends for multiple weeks or months, and your interview may just be one of a series of interviews.
For these reasons, it is best to remain patient when sending job applications. Do not become attached to any specific company or position during your scheduled times to send job applications. Instead, envision an ideal day of responsibilities in the position you're currently applying to, then move on to the next. Be prepared to send 50 to 100 applications and receive 1 to 3 responses. Don't become discouraged; keep the mantra "next" in mind. Next challenge, next opportunity. You'll find that some employers will call you long after you have applied. Always be ready!
Career Coach in Vancouver, BC
One of the most surprisingly simple ways to overcome job search fatigue is to work with a professional Career Coach! Vancouver, BC, has been my home for many years, and I've helped hundreds of professional women strengthen their job prospects and further advance their careers.
The first step you should take when considering a new job is to speak with a professional Career Coach. Not only can you practice nailing an interview, but you'll also be able to practice as many times as you need in a non-judgemental environment where the stakes are low, and it's okay for you to fail.
Looking for a Career Coach? I have a package specifically designed to help women struggling with Job Search Fatigue. With my professional guidance, you'll have a compass and roadmap for navigating the complexities of a competitive job market.
My Job Search Package Includes the following:
Three 1-hour Coaching Sessions
Targeted cover letter and resume
Support to leverage your network to find your perfect job
Job search strategy
Interview Preparation
Helping Women Amplify Their Skills and Advance Their Careers
We’ll have mock interviews where we role-play as the potential employer and the candidate, along with a full breakdown and review of how to improve your methods and answers. You will also have the opportunity to perfect your resume and cover letter.
As a Career Coach in Vancouver BC, who supports women in making their next career move, I know what it takes to get you over that hurdle and advance your career, with over 15 years of experience managing and leading in HR, recruitment, training, and job coaching. Schedule a free consultation with a Career Coach today or call me at 604-818-7626.
Comments